variants
also cagy
1
as in cunning
clever at attaining one's ends by indirect and often deceptive means
a cagey old politician who is exceptionally skilled at getting federal money for his district
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reluctant
slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty
when it came time to sign the contract, he suddenly got cagey about taking on the job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cagey
Exceptions finally arrived with the emergence of Max Cervantes as slick and cagey defense lawyer Billy Flynn.
—
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026
On the bright side, this is one of those rare moments of transparency that is quite uncommon for a typically disciplined and cagey administration obsessed with controlling the narrative around the governor’s executive prowess.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
With one year left on his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, James has been cagey — arguably coy — over his future plans.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
In May 1961, Welch alleged that a CBS reporter had used underhanded tactics to interview him against his wishes, resulting in footage that made the Birch leader look cagey and defensive.
—Time, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026
On the bright side, this is one of those rare moments of transparency that is quite uncommon for a typically disciplined and cagey administration obsessed with controlling the narrative around the governor’s executive prowess.
—Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 7 Jan. 2026
With one year left on his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, James has been cagey — arguably coy — over his future plans.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
In May 1961, Welch alleged that a CBS reporter had used underhanded tactics to interview him against his wishes, resulting in footage that made the Birch leader look cagey and defensive.
—Time, 7 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cagey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cagey
Adjective
-
Past friends and former associates described him to me as an exceptionally cunning con man, a consummate charmer, and a womanizer.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Starring Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton, and Eric Bana, the film was shot on location in the Australian wilderness and features Theron as a grieving woman on a solo adventure who becomes the target of a cunning killer (Egerton) in a twisted game of cat-and-mouse.—
Abid Rahman,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Republican supermajority is reluctant to stop an unlimited cash flow to an ever-expanding school voucher program that bleeds billions from public schools, despite ample proof of sloppy bookkeeping and zero proof that voucher students’ needs are adequately met.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
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While hundreds of thousands of Syrians have returned from Lebanon since the ouster of former Syrian President Bashar Assad in December 2024, many others remain reluctant to go back because of the lack of jobs and ongoing violence.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Fly across the world to visit archives and then look at additional pamphlets just because the covers look cute.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Apr. 2026
-
For adventurous travelers who want to look cute in photos but also have a hike, tennis match, or other adventure on the agenda, this pleated skirt is an ideal pick.—
Paris Wilson,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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These types of examples make other brands more hesitant to explore the category.—
Kara McGrath,
Allure,
22 Apr. 2026
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Stang was still hesitant, but the two decided to buy it.—
Steve Bloom,
Rolling Stone,
20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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However, on appliances that aren’t washed just by the process of using them, this DIY duo may leave a slick film and odd, lingering smells.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2026
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The inclement weather was a factor early with slick footballs impacting the passing game, but the group’s spirits remained high.—
Jack Murray,
Boston Herald,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
And according to therapists, that distinction can be subtle but significant, often showing up in patterns that feel normal on the surface but are actually rooted in the need to feel chosen rather than the desire to truly know someone.—
Hana Hong,
SELF,
22 Apr. 2026
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The final drink had a subtle floral note with a hint of cinnamon that reminded me of horchata.—
Tristan Graziano,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cagey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cagey. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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